New cocktail trends to whip up!

Check out these great cocktails and Darwin restaurants!

Like fashion and beauty, the cocktail scene has trends that come and go. 2015 is a particularly exciting year for drinking delicious beverages, as plenty of long-forgotten spirits are back! If you're keen to find out what some of the world's best mixologists are stirring up behind the bar (and perhaps have a go at making some yourself), then read on for some tasty beverages! Can't be trusted with a martini shaker and a bottle of gin? We've even included a few great Darwin bars to get your cocktail fix!

Gin is in

This old favourite lost out in popularity contests over the past few years. In 2015, though, it’s back with a vengeance! Serve it in a fresh gin and tonic, or try your hand at whipping up The Gibson. This classic gin cocktail is made by mixing together two parts gin and one part vermouth, then it’s served in a chilled martini glass and garnished with a pickled onion. This Mad Men style drink has everyone talking!

Spice it up

One of the most popular trends taking bars by storm is the spicy drink. From jalapeño margaritas to cinnamon spiced treats, people are loving a bit of heat to accompany their cocktails. We recommend trying your hand at a chocolate chilli martini—add one part chilli liqueur and one part chocolate vodka to a martini glass rimmed with cocoa and cayenne pepper. Garnish with a small red chilli and serve!

Is that a drink, or a dessert?

Drinking your dessert is becoming more and more popular, with overly sweet cocktails gracing our bars. These drinks are fantastic for a special treat throughout the evening, and despite their soft and sweet taste, they can really pack a punch! Think pumpkin pie flavoured white Russians, s’mores martinis and peanut butter hard shakes. We recommend trying a birthday cake cocktail; rim a glass with sprinkles, add some ice and then mix together a shot of cake flavoured vodka and a shot of white chocolate liqueur. Fill the glass up with milk and if you’re feeling really adventurous top with whipped cream! Perfect for that one friend who doesn’t like birthday cakes.

Happy to leave the mixing up to the professionals? Check out the cocktail menus at these great Darwin restaurants!

Alongside an incredible seasonal menu showcasing local food and culinary talent, Wharf One Food and Wine has a fantastic beverage menu. Packed with top-tier wines, beers and spirits, every drink you could imagine is on this menu—including delicious cocktails. Order yourself some share plates such as crumbed field mushrooms served with blue cheese sauce, or whole baby local barramundi served with lemon and dill sauce. To accompany your meal why not order a strong espresso martini, or a dessert-inspired mudslide—vanilla vodka, Baileys and Kahlua are mixed together with chocolate for a total sweet treat! Book your table today!Address: 3/19 Kitchener Drive, Darwin NT 0801

Arguably one of the best cocktail bars in Darwin, Viva La Vida Wine and Tapas Bar has plenty of unique concoctions to choose from. Following the trend, order yourself the Gin Junkie served with two types of gin, lemongrass, ginger, elderflower and cucumber foam. Would you prefer a spicy twist on tonights drink? Order a classic martini garnished with chilli olives for a subtle spice. No matter the concoction you order, it’s sure to be delicious at Viva La Vida Wine and Tapas Bar!Address: 48-50 Smith Street, Darwin NT 0800